| Energy flows |
Understand how energy enters the system through
photosynthesis, how it is transferred from producers
(autotrophs) to consumers (herbivores, carnivores and
detritovores), and the changes in energy and biomass
from one level to the next. |
| Nutrient cycling |
Be aware of the major nutrient stores (biomass, litter
and soil), the inputs and outputs of nutrients and how
nutrients are cycled from one store to another. An
understanding of the impact of human activity on
nutrient cycling and plant succession is essential. |
| Plant succession |
Understand relevant terminology: seres, climatic climax
community, sub-climax, primary and secondary
succession, and sub-climax vegetation in the removal
and replacement of nutrients. Study the concepts of invasion, competition and
dominance. Develop an understanding of how plants
modify the environment, making it possible for more
demanding species to survive and more complex
communities to develop. A study of one type of plant
succession should be included such as a lithosere,
hydrosere, psammosere or halosere. |
